A lot has been written about Skye Gyngell and even more about Petersham Nurseries Cafe including the article last weekend in the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Weekend.....however I have always been more interested in exactly how they marry the plants and the food under the one roof!!

I love the idea of the greenhouses with earth floors....and yes I am sure the heating costs are enormous. Mismatched tables and chairs, rustic urns with large potted plants or at Christmas time....Christmas trees decorated with their beautiful shiny baubles from India. All very rustic....stylishly rustic but so atmospheric !!

My photo source......daughter in London recently (hence grey skies).....shows the very cute Christmas decorations strung throughout the greenhouse. You must look at the professional web site photos taken at their amazing candlelit Christmas Market and Carol Service. A must for next year. It isn't the first time I have mentioned that for me the best time to be in London is the lead up to Christmas.....London does Christmas so well!!

Apart from fabulous food in this wonderful greenhouse setting, there is the shop selling pots, tools, antiques and all things garden related.... of course. Wander around the nursery for inspiration or visit the magnificent garden attached to Petersham House....described as a mad flowering hedgerow !! Not far away is Richmond Park where one can head for a brisk walk....to walk off lunch!!

PS. As of yesterdays Good Living (Sydney Morning Herald) Skye Gyngell has departed Petersham Nurseries Cafe to be replaced by Melbourne's high profile chef Greg Malouf !!